ThinkFast: March 12, 2008
ThinkFast: March 12, 2008
On the heels of the deadliest day in months for U.S. troops, violence killed at least 42 people in Iraq yesterday. Despite security gains last fall, “bloodshed has increased recently” due to a series of lethal bombings. Civilian deaths hit an average low of 20 per day in January, but “so far in March, that number is up to 39 daily.”
Last night, the House approved significant ethics rules changes, “creating for the first time an independent panel empowered to initiate investigations of alleged misconduct by members.” The six-member bipartisan Office of Congressional Ethics will “refer their findings to the House ethics committee along with a public report.” The Gavel has more coverage.
Democrat Andre Carson of Indiana won a special election to succeed his grandmother, the late Rep. Julia Carson, and serve out the final 10 months of her term. Carson will be the second-ever Muslim to serve in Congress.
In January, two top political appointees at HUD “exchanged e-mails discussing” how they could punish the director of the Philadelphia Housing Authority for refusing to transfer a $2 million public property to a business friend of Housing Secretary Alphonso Jackson. In Feb., Authority director Carl Greene alleged that Jackson threatened retaliation against him.
Congress failed to override President Bush’s veto of a ban on waterboarding and other harsh interrogation techniques. “The final tally was 225-188 (with five Republicans voting for the override and three Dems voting against) about sixty votes short of the two-thirds needed.”
Testifying about the multi-million dollar, no-bid contract the Justice Department awarded him last year, former Attorney General John Ashcroft insisted the contract represented no wrongdoing. “There is not a conflict; there is not an appearance of a conflict,” Ashcroft said.
Yesterday, House Democrats unveiled compromise legislation without immunity for telecoms that cooperated with the Bush administration’s warrantless spying program. The bill would, however, allow “defendants in civil lawsuits would have the right to present classified evidence to the judge in such cases, without the plaintiffs being present.”
A military-commissioned review of more than 600,000 Iraqi documents, audio, and video records collected by U.S. forces since the March 2003 invasion “has concluded that there is ‘no smoking gun’ supporting the Bush administration’s prewar assertion of an ‘operational relationship’ between Saddam Hussein and the al-Qaeda terrorist network.”
$3.246: Average price of gasoline per gallon today, an all-time high. This amount is nearly two cents higher “than the previous record of $3.227, which was first set last May and matched Tuesday.” Last year at this time, regular gasoline was at $2.543 a gallon.
And finally: Yesterday, CNN brought on former U.S. attorney Kendall Coffey to comment on the prostitution scandal surrounding Gov. Eliot Spitzer (D-NY). Coffey concluded that Spitzer’s chances of politically surviving the fall-out are “basically slim and none.” CNN, however, neglected to mention that Coffey quit his job as a federal prosecutor “after allegedly biting a stripper.” CNN has now admitted that Coffey “was probably not the right one for this story.”
What did we miss? Let us know in the comments section.
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“It is time to Stop-Loss Congress!â€
“Congress can’t go home until all the Troops are home…â€
- Senate Served with Stop Loss Orders!
- House to be Served Today, Civil Resistance Tomorrow!
STOP-LOSS CONGRESS, the nationwide grass-roots organization,…served STOP-LOSS orders on members of the Senate yesterday, involuntarily extending the Senators’ tours of duty effective immediately, and canceling Congress’ upcoming Easter vacation. All members of The House will be served today.
“This March,…U.S. soldiers and innocent civilian victims begin another year of occupation, torture, and murder, U.S. congress members plan to go on vacation (March 15th to 30th), ignoring the killing and suffering they have enabled, supported, and financed.â€
“To intensify the irony, Congress has condoned a widespread stop-loss policy in the military which requires soldiers to involuntarily extend their tours and prolong the killing.â€
http://www.stop-losscongress.org/
March 12th, 2008 at 9:01 amvideo: http://www.youtube.com/stoplosscongress
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/node/31718
We Don’t Do Torture – Especially in Debates
WASHINGTON – Media critics…are charging that questions asked by the moderators of the televised debates among U.S. presidential hopefuls have frequently been trivial…
…While important subjects were discussed in the debates…a wide range of other areas were largely ignored. The questions…rarely raised by…debate moderators include such issues as presidential signing statements, the limits of presidential authority, separation of powers, the role of the courts, warrantless wiretapping, rendition,…Guantanamo…military commissions,…and many other civil liberties and human rights issues.
“It seems as if that there is almost an agreement among all the parties not to deal with these subjects,†Michael Ratner, a law professor at Columbia University,… which is defending a number of the detainees at Guantanamo Bay, told IPS.
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2008/03/11/7609/
March 12th, 2008 at 9:03 amChief federal judge investigated for alleged involvement with prostitutes
DENVER – 9Wants to Know has learned the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit is investigating Chief U.S. District Judge Edward Nottingham for the third time in the past year.
He is being investigated for improper judicial conduct after his full name and personal cell phone number appeared on a list of clients from a Denver prostitution business.
http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=87702
Nottingham was appointed to the district judgeship in 1989 by the first President Bush. He became chief district judge on June 8. During his tenure, he’s presided over several high- profile cases, including the recent trial of Joe Nacchio, the former chief executive of Qwest.
http://www.denverpost.com/commented/ci_6598184
He refuses comment saying all this is “private” – I am sure anyone who had him as their trial judge feels the same way!
March 12th, 2008 at 9:04 amDon’t miss this:
http://rules.senate.gov/hearings/2008/031208hrg.htm
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
10:00 a.m.
In Person Voter Fraud: Myth and Trigger for Disenfranchisement?
David Inglesias is on the witness list. Not sure if CSPAN is broadcasting but there is a broadcast link at the website above.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:07 ama pox on all those who voted to uphold chimpy’s veto banning torture. Amerika has officially adopted Gestapo methods.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:13 am6 Signs the U.S. May Be Headed for War in Iran
Is the United States moving toward military action with Iran?
The resignation of the top U.S. military commander for the Middle East is setting off alarms that the Bush administration is intent on using military force to stop Iran’s moves toward gaining nuclear weapons. In announcing his sudden resignation today following a report on his views in Esquire, Adm. William Fallon didn’t directly deny that he differs with President Bush over at least some aspects of the president’s policy on Iran. For his part, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said it is “ridiculous” to think that the departure of Fallon — whose Central Command has been working on contingency plans for strikes on Iran as well as overseeing Iraq — signals that the United States is planning to go to war with Iran.
http://globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=8301
Sorry, it’s been a busy time. I think everyone was alarmed by Fallon’s resignation yesterday. This story originated in MSM so it’s not just the “bloggers” raising the alarm.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:14 amDemocrat Andre Carson of Indiana won a special election to succeed his grandmother, the late Rep. Julia Carson, and serve out the final 10 months of her term. Carson will be the second-ever Muslim to serve in Congress.
The racist right wingers must be up in arms about the Islamofacist takeover of Congress.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:14 am“We, the People” have thus spoken through our elected representatives: We support the “right” to torture.
Can we ever complain about how our soldiers and citizens are treated abroad?
What part about “do unto others as you would have others do unto you” does Congress, the President, and their supporters not understand?
March 12th, 2008 at 9:15 amNews you wont find on the shills-for-Hillary site TP:
Obama wins Mississippi
Sen. Barack Obama won the Democratic primary in Mississippi by a healthy margin. Meanwhile, CNN estimates show that Obama also won last week’s Texas Democratic caucuses and will get more delegates in the state than rival Hillary Clinton, who won the state’s primary.
Yet she just won’t quit till she rips the Democratic party apart.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:18 amThe downturn in violence was cited as proof that the “surge” was working. Now, this uptick in violence means what? That’s right, the “surge” is working! Those in’surge’nts must be in their “last throes.”
March 12th, 2008 at 9:19 amWTF is Hillary’s problem?
March 12th, 2008 at 9:20 amWhat part about “do unto others as you would have others do unto you†does Congress, the President, and their supporters not understand?
Comment by Briseadh na Faire — March 12, 2008 @ 9:15 am
Apparently almost all of it.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:21 amThe CIA still does not have the right to “tortureâ€.
Comment by good_golly — March 12, 2008 @ 9:20 am
Just the wrong to “torture”? And why the “…”? Make it seem less nasty to you?
March 12th, 2008 at 9:22 amLast night, the House approved significant ethics rules changes, “creating for the first time an independent panel empowered to initiate investigations of alleged misconduct by members.â€
I watched this last night on C-Span. It’s like watching government in slow motion. Way too many Dems voted against an independent ethics format. WTF?
Boner, after coming in from having a cigarette, tried to follow Blunt’s sorry ass denouncing the decision & trying to get a do-over. It didn’t work.
This is an important step in the right direction. It disallows current office holders & any lobbyists registered for more than a year to sit on the panel. Apparently, the thought of real oversight scares the shit out of many Representatives…particularly Boner & Blunt.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:23 am….former Attorney General John Ashcroft insisted the contract represented no wrongdoing. “There is not a conflict; there is not an appearance of a conflict,†Ashcroft said.
You will believe the lies.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:23 amYou will believe the lies.
You will believe the lies.
You will believe the lies.
You will believe the lies.
You will believe the lies.
Keith Olbermann is supposed to have a special comment tonight re: Hillary. I am sure he will answer #11 question!
March 12th, 2008 at 9:23 amThose in’surge’nts must be in their “last throes.â€
Comment by Briseadh na Faire — March 12, 2008 @ 9:19 am
They would appear to be “throeing” pretty well.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:24 amI see Hillery as part of the Military-Industrial Complex. McCain is part of the Military-Industrial Complex. Obama, apparently, is not. Hence the Ruling Class has determined that we will either have Hillery or McCain as our next “President.” There’s just too much money at stake to risk the end to war.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:24 amIt’s name is Bill.
Comment by good_golly — March 12, 2008 @ 9:21 am
Meaningless comment.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:25 amThe Bush cabal is in it’s last throes…will they ‘throe’ Iran before leaving?
March 12th, 2008 at 9:25 amIt’s name is Bill.
Comment by good_golly
Is she seeking vindication? Justification for her existence?
March 12th, 2008 at 9:25 amThe racist right wingers must be up in arms about the Islamofacist takeover of Congress.
Comment by blue state bob — March 12, 2008 @ 9:14 am
Reps Good & King are prolly goin’ apoplectic as we laugh.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:26 amI could provide a list but let me start with Hillary’s #1 problem. It’s name is Bill.
Comment by good_golly — March 12, 2008 @ 9:21 am
And the #1 problem with McCoin, is that he loves too much dollar bills of lobbyists…
March 12th, 2008 at 9:28 amMcClinton is trying to distance herself from Geraldine Ferraro’s comments.
Ferraro is a dipshit. She’s using gender bias in reverse, claiming Obama could never get to where he is if he was a woman.
Geralding, STFU. Your time has come & gone, & that’s the change we’re looking for.
Anyone think Hillary has called Mrs. Spitzer to console her?
March 12th, 2008 at 9:29 amLast night, the House approved significant ethics rules changes, “creating for the first time an independent panel empowered to initiate investigations of alleged misconduct by members.â€
Comment by Zimzone — March 12, 2008 @ 9:23 am
Don’t worry… they’ll find a way to undermine it. Perhaps Botch can just issue a signing statement saying “his friends don’t hafta follow it”.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:29 amIf true, this means that he was prosecuting one prostitution ring at the same time he was giving his business to another, all the while making public statements that such businesses are tied to organized crime. It will be interesting to see how he made his choice to prosecute one while protecting the other.
Comment by good_golly — March 12, 2008 @ 9:27 am
Easy. The same way other corrupted politicians spread Democracy by declaring illegal wars to innocent countries.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:30 amThe Republic of Stupidity — March 12, 2008 @ 9:29 am
You’re most likely correct, but I still think it’s an important outcome.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:31 amAnd you studied law where? Forget about trying to parse sementics with me, GG, you’re way underqualified.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:32 amI agree, Zimzone. I think it’s a badly needed step in the right direction. I guess I’ve just grown increasingly pessimistic about the true intent of our elected leaders. Perhaps it’s time to just start issuing official “licenses to steal”. That way, we could at least tax the income and get SOMETHING out of it, besides a kick in the teeth or a bleeding keister.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:34 amOnce a racist Democrat, always a racist Democrat.
Comment by good_golly — March 12, 2008 @ 9:33 am
Really you want a war of bigoted cites between Democrats and Republicans? You’ll lose BIG.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:35 am6 Signs the U.S. May Be Headed for War in Iran
Is the United States moving toward military action with Iran?
Comment by And the beat goes on — March 12, 2008 @ 9:14 am
Iranian Oil Bourse Opening
The Iranian Oil Bourse establishing Euro-based pricing of oil is set to open on February 19th 2008 and could have devastating effects on the US dollar.
Currently all three major oil markets (WTI, NYMEX, IPE) trade barrels of oil in US dollars. Consequently any country buying oil needs dollars to pay for it. This enables the US Federal Reserve to issue huge volumes of dollars to meet increasing demand for oil. In return oil producing nations invest dollar proceeds in US treasury bills, allowing for the current US budget deficit.
http://oil-price.net
** It’s 1953 all over again with the U.S. looking to take action against Iran because they dare to take control over their oil.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:37 amOnce a racist Democrat, always a racist Democrat.
Comment by goon_golly — March 12, 2008 @ 9:33 am
And she sticks out like a sore thumb. Unlike racist Republicans, who just blend in with the crowd.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:37 amPosters, note I DID NOT call Ferraro a rascist…she’s a just a dipshit.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:38 amOnce a racist Democrat, always a racist Democrat.
Comment by good_golly — March 12, 2008 @ 9:33 am
Its interesting how you have to specifically characterize a Democrat as racist, yet when we speak of Republicans, its just assumed.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:39 amCarson will be the second-ever Muslim to serve in Congress.
Rep. Steve King to throw welcome party.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:39 amGiGi; what do you think of Newt’s whooping up his holy war against Bill, all the while he was having his own sordid little affair?
Never mind, you think the end justifies the means.
Pot, meet kettle. Kettle, meet pot.
BTW, since Bush/Cheney is hellbent on going to war against Iran, sign your brat up for the army now. He could be in Tehran by next Ramadan. Ought to make you proud.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:39 amThis is pretty disturbing:
UK top cop who led CIA probe found dead
Manchester Police Chief Who Cleared Britain of Helping Secret CIA Flights Is Found Dead
A city police chief who led an investigation into charges that Britain cooperated with secret CIA flights to transport terrorism suspects without formal proceedings has been found dead, his deputy said Tuesday.
http://www.rawstory.com/news/mochila/UK_top_cop_who_led_CIA_probe_found__03112008.html
All of the UK papers carried the story about finding his body yesterday but I don’t think they mentioned he investigated the rendition flights.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:40 amWhites largely shunned Barack Obama in Mississippi’s Democratic presidential primary on Tuesday as Southern Democrats showed once again their reluctance to embrace him across racial lines. While nine in 10 blacks lined up behind the Illinois senator, about three-fourths of whites supported Hillary Rodham Clinton, according to preliminary figures from an exit poll of voters across Mississippi. That made the state’s contest one of the most racially divided this year.
http://www.breitbart.com/ article.php?id=D8VBJ7080&show_article=1&catnum=3
Comment by good_golly — March 12, 2008 @ 9:38 am
And your point is? Red states are more bigoted? OK, you’re right.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:41 amI sent Mr. King (R) IA, a message this morning that indicated Minnesotans are dancing in the streets now that another Muslim took a Federal office.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:42 amits just assumed.
Comment by dim wit — March 12, 2008 @ 9:39 am
And vehemently denied by trolls like g_g, Rotgut, etc, etc…
March 12th, 2008 at 9:42 am39 GiGi; once a racist Democrat, always a racist Democrat, but not all Democrats are racists- unlike Repugs who are all racists. Note how many Rethugs have their ‘macaca’ moments.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:42 amZimzone; you having a snark attack? coooollll.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:43 amDid someone say **snark**?
March 12th, 2008 at 9:45 amZimzone; you having a snark attack? coooollll. -Uncle Ho
Yeah, I guess I am, Uncle Ho. It’s been a very long winter up here on the frozen tundra, & maybe I’m suffering from Cabin Fever.
Snark attack? Don’t go in the water!
March 12th, 2008 at 9:47 amLook OUT!
It’s a great white SNARK!
March 12th, 2008 at 9:50 amThere ya go… ya just gotta snark w/ fire, don’t ya?
March 12th, 2008 at 9:52 am“Whites largely shunned Barack Obama in Mississippi’s Democratic presidential primary on Tuesday as Southern Democrats showed once again their reluctance to embrace him across racial lines.”
A good portion of these votes are republicans crossing party lines to choose the candidate they think easiest to beat. So, it wasn’t that white democrats didn’t prefer Obama over Clinton – it was white republicans skewing the voting figures.
Try again, GG.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:52 am#35 2millionlightyears…you are right on the mark. I didn’t see they had left that off. I have been following the bourse story for a couple of months now and was curious how it was going to play out.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:52 amThis was a DEMOCRATIC primary, divided among racial lines.
Once a racist Democrat, always a racist Democrat.
Comment by goon_golly — March 12, 2008 @ 9:49 am
In Mississippi, goon. What a shock. How did the Black Republic candidates do? Oh, what? They don’t have any? No Republic Senators or Congressmen who are Black? Especially none from the Deep South? What? Since Reconstruction?
Huh.
As noted, “Racist Republican”, especially in the Deep South? Just redundant.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:53 amThis was a DEMOCRATIC primary, divided among racial lines.
Once a racist Democrat, always a racist Democrat.
Comment by good_golly — March 12, 2008 @ 9:49 am
That’s a valid point. What has happenned in previous presidential runs of a republican black candidate? Oh, excuse me there has been none. In 200+ years. And the one in 24 doesn’t count. It’s fiction.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:54 amTry again, GG.
Comment by barfly — March 12, 2008 @ 9:52 am
I don’t believe that they have open ballots in Mississippi, barfly.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:54 amThis was a DEMOCRATIC primary, divided among racial lines.
Once a racist Democrat, always a racist Democrat.
Comment by good_golly — March 12, 2008 @ 9:49 am
Project much?? there is a clean up in aisle 6 G_G go clean it up you piece of trash.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:54 amThat made the state’s contest one of the most racially divided this year.
****
Of course, this could also be seen as a referendum on gender politics as well.
Saaaay… when was the last time the GOOP ran either a black man OR a woman for President? Oooops… never mind…
March 12th, 2008 at 9:54 amwell, there are blue snarks, black-tip snarks, bull-snarks,
happy now Gooney?
March 12th, 2008 at 9:55 amAnd the one in 24 doesn’t count. It’s fiction.
Comment by Evil Spaniard — March 12, 2008 @ 9:54 am
How cruel of you, Evil Spaniard. You take “fiction” away from the righties and you’ll leave them w/ “nothing”. Heartless!
March 12th, 2008 at 9:56 amNOTE: Mississippi has the largest percentage of blacks than any other state.
37%
March 12th, 2008 at 9:56 amPercentage of Mississippi’s population that is black, highest of any state. Blacks also make up more than a quarter of the population in Louisiana (32 percent), Georgia (30 percent), Maryland (30 percent), South Carolina (29 percent) and Alabama (27 percent). They comprise 57 percent of the population in the District of Columbia. Source: Population estimates
On the heels of the deadliest day in months for U.S. troops,
WHY
US seeks legal basis for Iraq presence
US officials have sought to deflect publicity of the talks with Iraqi officials over legal basis for the presence of US troops in Iraq.
US State Department and Iraqi foreign ministry officials opened negotiations Tuesday over formal arrangements for a long-term relationship in the political, economic and security fields, AP reported.
AND YET 82% OF IRAQIS DONT WANT TROOPS THERE
March 12th, 2008 at 9:56 amhappy now Gooney?
Comment by Uncle Ho — March 12, 2008 @ 9:55 am
And don’t forget the hammerhead snarks, Uncle Ho.
Ball peens, framing, finishing…
March 12th, 2008 at 9:56 amI don’t believe that they have open ballots in Mississippi, barfly.
Comment by gummitch
My error, then. But how many repubs registered as dems before the balloting? I could see some voters using their vote to choose the weakest candidate, even if it meant not being able to vote in the general.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:57 amThe “most racially divided race” in the most “racially divided state.”
Makes sense to me.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:59 amI could see some voters using their vote to choose the weakest candidate, even if it meant not being able to vote in the general.
Comment by barfly — March 12, 2008 @ 9:57 am
Only the ones stupid enough to do what Limbaugh told them to do…
March 12th, 2008 at 9:59 amCongress failed to override President Bush’s veto
It would appear that republicans, unable to say the are for torture are giving the following reason.
From AP:
March 12th, 2008 at 9:59 amRepublicans portrayed their support for Bush’s veto as a stand against a bill they say is riddled with pork-barrel projects such as a National Drug Intelligence Center and a study of the national security implications of global warming.
I don’t believe that they have open ballots in Mississippi, barfly.
Comment by gummitch — March 12, 2008 @ 9:54 am
“Blacks, who also supported Obama in overwhelming numbers in earlier primaries, accounted for roughly half the ballots cast in Mississippi, according to interviews with voters leaving polling places. About one in six Democratic primary voters were independents, and Clinton and Obama split their support. Another 10 percent of voters were Republican, and they preferred Clinton by a margin of 3-1. “
March 12th, 2008 at 10:00 amI wonder how many Muslims are needed in Congress before Americans admit they are no greater a threat to us than Catholics, Mormons, Jews, etc.?
Oh wait — there are still Americans who believe that Catholics, Mormons, and Jews present a threat to us. I guess we still have a long way to go.
March 12th, 2008 at 10:00 amBush has established an excellent record of diversity in his Cabinet, much
Doesn’t matter. His “legacy” will outshine anything positive.
THE BUSH DEBT
March 12th, 2008 at 10:06 amTWO FAILED WARS
THE FIRST ATTACK ON AMERICAN SOIL
(…I really could go on, but it’s so redundant.)
Step right up for your stoning all homo-sexuals, adulterers, and oh heck all the rest of you darn infidels… no pushing… you’ll all get your turn.
I’m confused. Why is Bert talking about biblical commands, while discussing muslims?
March 12th, 2008 at 10:07 amthe second-ever Muslim to serve in Congress.
Ah, welcome America you racist pig! The melting pot of the World!!!
March 12th, 2008 at 10:07 ambert; it was the darling of the fanatical far-right Trannie Coulter who said that “we should invade Muslim countries, kill their leaders, and convert them to Christianity.”
Wanna tell me again about who are the bloodthirsty barbarians?
March 12th, 2008 at 10:08 amDUH!
rainbow snarks.
..” hitherto unknown, but destined to replace the mudsnark in your mythology…..”
March 12th, 2008 at 10:08 am(Frank Z.)
torture: Why am I not surprised?
March 12th, 2008 at 10:09 amHow TF does this imbicile get away with the BS he does?
That little song he sang was him just spitting in the nations face,and laughing about it.
I fear the Dems will lose this race,if they don’t stand together soon.
Does anyone here believe that Obama will change America’s foreign policy? I’ve found disturbing information that perhaps shed more light on where Obama stands on the issues :
March 12th, 2008 at 10:09 amhttp://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?c=JPArticle&cid=1205261307530&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
U.S. attorney Kendall Coffey ’s commenting on Spitzer–man bites dog commenting on dog bites man?
March 12th, 2008 at 10:10 amhey ,hey……..easy on the mudsnark ok.ahem.
March 12th, 2008 at 10:10 amI fear the Dems will lose this race,if they don’t stand together soon.
Hillary already indicated that McCain is a better choice than Obama, so I feel that will come to fruition.
March 12th, 2008 at 10:10 amBush presses allies for more help in Afghanistan
At a speech to the National Religious Broadcasters, he brings the war front and center and says he will urge NATO to boost its contributions.
By James Gerstenzang, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
March 12, 2008
NASHVILLE — President Bush said Tuesday that NATO allies must “make the hard decisions” necessary to secure peace in Afghanistan and promised to press for increased contributions of troops and money next month to battle a resurgent Taliban and Al Qaeda.
Bush also cited political and security progress in Iraq, as he portrayed the two wars as part of a mission to defeat terrorism that will be passed on to his successors.
Speaking at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Bush said that since an American troop buildup in Iraq last year, “sectarian killings are down, Al Qaeda has been driven from many strongholds it once held. I strongly believe the surge is working and so do the Iraqis.”
As the fifth anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq approaches next week, Bush fervently described the administration’s efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan as twinned elements of his foreign policy in a speech to the annual convention of the National Religious Broadcasters.
He presented the two conflicts as battles of good against an evil equal to the genocidal campaigns of World War II and the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia, declaring freedom “God’s gift to all humanity.”
“We undertake this work because we believe that every human being bears the image of our maker,” Bush said.
“That’s why we’re doing this.”
In a comment that suggested an obligation on the part of his successor to continue the mission, he said, “I believe it is important for administrations to confront problems now and not pass them on to other people, and that’s the choice I have made for the sake of peace and freedom.”
[...]
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-bush12mar12,1,3258718.story
holy crap. … and i mean crap…
March 12th, 2008 at 10:11 amWhy don’t we all just flag Bert endlessly until TP just dumps its sorry *ss back at RNC headquarters. A little Greyhound welfare, folks.
March 12th, 2008 at 10:12 amNow lets ask them if they plan on putting to death all infidels, (that be you and me, the folks they are sworn to serve), as their good book commands?
Step right up for your stoning all homo-sexuals, adulterers, and oh heck all the rest of you darn infidels… no pushing… you’ll all get your turn.
Comment by BERT CONVY — March 12, 2008 @ 10:04 am
Thank you for all the work you do in helping us validate the “conservatives = bigots” stereotype.
March 12th, 2008 at 10:14 amhey ,hey……..easy on the mudsnark ok.ahem.
Comment by mudsharks buddy — March 12, 2008 @ 10:10 am
Worried about that circular motion, eh? Rub it!
March 12th, 2008 at 10:14 amA top state official says New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer will resign effective Monday after being linked to a prostitution ring. Details to come.
March 12th, 2008 at 10:14 amCountdown: Geraldine Ferraro’s Racial Comments About Barack Obama
By: Logan Murphy @ 6:42 AM – PDT
We’ve tried to stay out of the weeds of accusations/counter-accusations between the Democratic candidates, but after a discussion behind the scenes here at C&L, we came to the conclusion that we needed to cover this story. While C&L has not–and will not–endorse either Democratic candidate, Ferraro’s comments were over the line offensive and absurd on the face of it, and the Clinton response unacceptably tepid, especially considering the uproar over Power’s remarks last week.
[...]
http://www.crooksandliars.com/2008/03/12/countdown-geraldine-ferraros-racial-comments-about-barack-obama/
eh ehem… TP? … is it getting bad enough yet?
the “gal” is getting waaay out of hand… the clinton’s really don’t need
March 12th, 2008 at 10:15 amany more bad rep… do they? … how very disappointing…
Oops, looks like somebody forgot to flush (#74) and left us a “floater.”
March 12th, 2008 at 10:16 am“We undertake this work because we believe that every human being bears the image of our maker,†Bush said.
And in one sentence, George W.Bush explained why the world can not be led by religious extremists.
March 12th, 2008 at 10:16 amthe second-ever Muslim to serve in Congress.
And both of them democrats, you should be so proud.
Now lets ask them if they plan on putting to death all infidels, (that be you and me, the folks they are sworn to serve), as their good book commands?
Step right up for your stoning all homo-sexuals, adulterers, and oh heck all the rest of you darn infidels… no pushing… you’ll all get your turn.
Yippie-Ki-Yay moonbat targets
*bert
*
Comment by BERT CONVY — March 12, 2008 @ 10:04 am
Racist bigoted garbage, that’s all you are. Just because you make minimum wage and are in debt up to your ears, don’t take it out on others
March 12th, 2008 at 10:17 amComment by goon_golly — March 12, 2008 @ 10:00 am
I’m sorry, but weren’t you trying to prove that Republics weren’t racist? Because Republic voters had chosen so many Black candidates? My, my, still trotting out the “Bush has . . . ” What about the voters, goon?
Oh, wait. My bad. Republics don’t care about voters. Just “leaders.”
March 12th, 2008 at 10:18 amI’m sorry, i appear to be posting intellectual commentary on a children’s website. My apologies.
March 12th, 2008 at 10:20 amBush has established an excellent record of diversity in his Cabinet, much better than Clinton ever had. As of May 2006, Bush’s Cabinet, which includes the vice president and the heads of 15 executive departments, had two Hispanics, two African Americans and two Asian Americans. Three departments — State, Education and Labor — were headed by women, and a fourth, Interior, had an acting secretary who is a woman. Before Bush took office, no minority had occupied any of the four highest-profile Cabinet positions — attorney general and the secretaries of the Defense, State and Treasury departments.
Comment by good_golly — March 12, 2008 @ 10:00 am
Tokens, nothing more. And utter failures as well.
Aren’t you late for your shift at the Ocala Wal Mart, or is it the Winn Dixie, Home Depot? If I was one tenth as dumb and trashy as you, I would have thrown myself off a bridge years ago. Trash like you has no shame, do you?
March 12th, 2008 at 10:20 amWorried about that circular motion, eh? Rub it!
Comment by toasterhead — March 12, 2008 @ 10:14 am
Is that a Sears poncho, or a real poncho?
March 12th, 2008 at 10:20 amWasn’t Bert Convy a game show host?
A bad one at that?
Now that’s how one spells success…fake smiles with corporate backing.
March 12th, 2008 at 10:21 amBERT is a racist “progressive†posing as a conservative to try to make a point.
Only in the echo chamber of you big fat empty head.
March 12th, 2008 at 10:21 amBefore Bush took office, no minority had occupied any of the four highest-profile Cabinet positions — attorney general and the secretaries of the Defense, State and Treasury departments.
Comment by good_golly — March 12, 2008 @ 10:00 am
And all die-hard Party hacks.
March 12th, 2008 at 10:22 amfake smiles with corporate backing.
Comment by Zimzone — March 12, 2008 @ 10:21 am
And a bad lounge singer ta boot. Kinda like the poor man’s Robert Goulet.
March 12th, 2008 at 10:23 am“Is that a Sears poncho, or a real poncho?”
Comment by The Republic of Stupidity
Guys, Enough of the cheap thrills. Don’t you know, you can’t do that on stage, anymore?
March 12th, 2008 at 10:23 amMethinks Bert should go back to game shows.
They’re as rigged as his Presidunce’s policies and are watched by the same people who voted for Bush.
March 12th, 2008 at 10:24 amRacist bigoted garbage, that’s all you are. …
Comment by blue state bob — March 12, 2008 @ 10:17 am
which makes it even more curious as to
WHY POSTERS REPEAT IT!!! STOP REPEATING THE GARBAGE!!!
just flag it and move on…
March 12th, 2008 at 10:26 amWasn’t Bert Convy a game show host? A bad one at that?
Comment by Zimzone — March 12, 2008 @ 10:21 am
no, actually he wasn’t … check out his bio… wiki or otherwise…
March 12th, 2008 at 10:28 am“Wasn’t Bert Convy a game show host? A bad one at that?”
Comment by Zimzone
And one of the finest actors to ever grace the sets of The Love Boat, and Fantasy Island, I’ll have you know.
March 12th, 2008 at 10:30 amIn the 1960s and ’70s, Convy was a popular semi-regular panelist on several game shows, including What’s My Line?, To Tell the Truth, The Match Game and Password. Convy soon took the podium himself as host of several game shows, including the fourth edition of Password, Super Password (1984–1989), but he remains best known for his first television game show, Tattletales (1974–1978, 1982–1984), for which he was awarded an Emmy for “Best Game Show Host” in 1977.
March 12th, 2008 at 10:31 amBut, if the Snark be a Boojum…..
March 12th, 2008 at 10:32 amjust flag it and move on…
Comment by katy HUSSEIN katy — March 12, 2008 @ 10:26 am
We’ve tried this, katy… and did it work?
Free speech is a strange and mysterious thing.
On the other hand, have you all been flagging?
It DOES work!
March 12th, 2008 at 10:33 amsorry, bertie, your racist fantasies aren’t borne out by the facts. the world’s biggest terrorist is George Bush, the most hated and reviled man-turd on the planet. he has destroyed the reputation of the USA as he destroyed the defense capabilities (thanks for 9/11, rightard moonbats!). His cabinet was hand-picked to embarrass minorites and women, as he picked the least-qualified ones he could find, much like his father and Clarence Thomas. Muslims are much less a threat to the USA than idiot camp following Nazi tools like you and good goofy. the real danger to America is embodied in traitors on the right, and you are one.
March 12th, 2008 at 10:33 amOh NO! Did someone say **SNARK**???
March 12th, 2008 at 10:33 amDon’t you know, you can’t do that on stage, anymore?
Comment by barfly — March 12, 2008 @ 10:23 am
**sniff…** I’m sorry… I’ll stop having fun…
March 12th, 2008 at 10:35 amBert Convy is dead. Loved his TV game show. What was the name?
March 12th, 2008 at 10:36 am**sniff…** I’m sorry… I’ll stop having fun…
Comment by The Republic of Stupidity —
Was Cheap Thrills before your time? I was attempting to mix old and new Z, definitely a risky move this early in the morn.
March 12th, 2008 at 10:37 amfor the record; I flagged bert for #74 & #103.
Bye-bye bertie, bye-bye.
March 12th, 2008 at 10:38 amboojum?
March 12th, 2008 at 10:40 amnew Z, definitely a risky move this early in the morn.
Comment by barfly — March 12, 2008 @ 10:37 am
Yes… we are… still in a pre-coffee state…
March 12th, 2008 at 10:40 amComment by BERT CONVY
I think it’s an ironic troll, given the facts that the real Bert is both dead, and too politely Canadian to ever use such vulgar speech.
Or is he simply announcing that his thoughts and postings have as much relevance to the conversation as a dead man’s?
March 12th, 2008 at 10:41 am*** “I will stand my ground … and I won’t back down”: This Ferraro controversy isn’t going away anytime soon. On ABC this morning, Ferraro once again stood by her earlier remark that the only reason why Obama is in the position he’s in is because he’s black. “Every time somebody opens their mouth [in the Clinton campaign], Bill Clinton-racist, Ed Rendell-racist,†Ferraro said this morning. “My concern is how I’ve been treated. I am absolutely offended…”
w o w …
poor poor little white lady… poor thing…
March 12th, 2008 at 10:41 amBert was named after a Seasame Street Character.
Bert Convy is as common as Newt or Skippy.
March 12th, 2008 at 10:42 amthat cry censer
It’s “censor”, stoopid.
This one is not here to debate or discuss, merely to be an obnoxious Cheney.
Flag, flag, and flag again!
It’s Democracy in Action, Li’l Bertie. Like bein’ voted offin’ da island.
March 12th, 2008 at 10:42 amkaty,
March 12th, 2008 at 10:43 amAs I posted earlier, Ferraro is no Ferrari, just a dipshit.
Comment by katy HUSSEIN katy — March 12, 2008 @ 10:41 am
A friend of mine brought up an interesting viewpoint. If Barack Hussein Obama wasn’t black and didn’t have the middle name Hussein but was inspiring the same way the race wouldn’t be close at all. Hillary would be an afterthought.
March 12th, 2008 at 10:46 am
March 12th, 2008 at 10:46 amhttp://www.literature.org/authors/carroll-lewis/the-hunting-of-the-snark/
http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0308/A_Ferraro_flashback.html
A Ferraro flashback
“If Jesse Jackson were not black, he wouldn’t be in the race,” she said.
March 12th, 2008 at 10:46 amPerhaps we’ll later find Obama campaign fingerprints on this little Ferraro, but in any event, it’s a political gift to his campaign.
March 12th, 2008 at 10:48 am“Congress failed to override President Bush’s veto of a ban on waterboarding and other harsh interrogation techniques. ‘The final tally was 225-188 (with five Republicans voting for the override and three Dems voting against) about sixty votes short of the two-thirds needed.’”
Torture does not work, period.
http://smallwarsjournal.com/blog/2007/10/waterboarding-is-torture-perio/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A2302-2005Jan11.html
http://dir.salon.com/story/opinion/feature/2004/06/21/torture_algiers/index.html
March 12th, 2008 at 10:49 amA Minnesota state senator has withdrawn a bill which would have extended drinking hours at local bars during the Republican National Convention next summer.
The legislation would have changed the closing time from 2 am to 4 am for bars in the seven-county Minneapolis-St. Paul area between Aug. 29 and Sep. 8.
Im shocked, shocked!! I bet there will be prostitutes as well.
March 12th, 2008 at 10:50 amMicrosoft Chairman Bill Gates to press lawmakers for immigration, education reforms
Associated Press – March 12, 2008 3:13 AM ET
CAPITOL HILL (AP) – Bill Gates goes before a House panel today with a wish list that he’s shared with lawmakers before.
Just as he did last year, Gates will tell Congress that there needs to be more H1-B visas granted for skilled foreign professionals. Microsoft couldn’t get visas for about a third of the people it wanted to hire last year.
Gates is also expected to stress the need for more math, science and engineering in schools and more investment in technology.
The billionaire says such changes are needed to help the U.S. stay competitive.
The Microsoft co-founder visits Washington about once a year. He’ll speak before the House Science and Technology Committee, and Microsoft says he’s expected to meet privately with policy makers during his visit.
but, until the wingers figure it out, gates et al. need more immigrants…
USA! USA! USA!
March 12th, 2008 at 10:50 amA top state official says New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer will resign effective Monday after being linked to a prostitution ring. Details to come.
Comment by DieNowForPeace — March 12, 2008 @ 10:14 am
Meanwhile, Senator Craig has more honoraries to accept as he finishes out his term after pleading guilty to sex related crimes. Nice.
Good to see that those wiretaps are finally paying off, eh? Only took Craig 20+ years to get caught by undercover police, but Spitzer, not too long with those fancy wiretaps.
March 12th, 2008 at 10:51 amhellinabucket @ 10:46 am – good thought… maybe even probably…
it’s the bigots that have a problem with any of it…
March 12th, 2008 at 10:52 ambluedahlia – with the help of the corrupt DOJ…
March 12th, 2008 at 10:53 amThe Hunting of the Snark
Lewis Carroll
“Just the place for a Snark!” the Bellman cried,
As he landed his crew with care;
Supporting each man on the top of the tide
By a finger entwined in his hair.
See? I’m not inane! I’m part of a long-standing literary tradition.
You can all submit yer apologies later.
A-snarkin’ we shall go… a-snarkin’ we shall go…
March 12th, 2008 at 10:54 amWow – the trolls are taking over again.
‘A military-commissioned review of more than 600,000 Iraqi documents, audio, and video records collected by U.S. forces since the March 2003 invasion’
I wonder how much THAT useless exercise cost the taxpayers? Just to confirm what we already knew in Feb 2003 (that Saddam had no connection to AQ)!
March 12th, 2008 at 10:55 amgood_golly seems to like being proved wrong day in and day out. Tell me GG would Jesus torture?
March 12th, 2008 at 11:04 amLewis Caroll, ah, the classics.
If your snark be a boojum
that’s snarkarific.
March 12th, 2008 at 11:04 amWell, shucks… Bert’s gone back to bein’ a lounge singer.
See? Democracy works!
March 12th, 2008 at 11:07 ammary, what I believe to be of importance regarding the Military commissioned review is the military is gathering evidence that goes against what they were told to do. The military will be here after the bush administration is nothing more than a bad aftertaste. They now have a body of evidence that refutes Bush.
March 12th, 2008 at 11:08 amGood morning, *almost* everyone!
I probably oughtn’t post today, because I’m so very angry at the thugs busily gang-raping America. Torture. Nuclear war. 1 million Iraqi civilians dead. 47 million Americans who have no health insurance. KBR poisoning our soldiers – and we are paying them to do it. Corruption. Greed. Lies. Endless hypocrisy.
Racism – not from the Repukes, from whom we *expect* it, but from our own, God help us.
Our leaders have led us into Hell, and today, I don’t think they can lead us back out.
March 12th, 2008 at 11:08 amJust to confirm what we already knew in Feb 2003 (that Saddam had no connection to AQ)!
Comment by mary — March 12, 2008 @ 10:55 am
True, mary, true.
At least we now have a “definitive study” to use as a mallet on those that would try and claim otherwise…
March 12th, 2008 at 11:09 amChristian broadcasters that his policies in the region were predicated on the beliefs that freedom was a God-given right.
A White House aide told the Times — anonymously — that the speech, along with speeches by General David Petraeus, is intended to allow Bush to “frame” the Iraq war.
See good_golly, Bush didnt talk to GOD, nor did GOD tell him to make war, which he calls peace, or freedom, is war. Its what his aides told him to say.
March 12th, 2008 at 11:11 amChief federal judge investigated for alleged involvement with prostitutes
DENVER – 9Wants to Know has learned the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit is investigating Chief U.S. District Judge Edward Nottingham for the third time in the past year.
I find it interesting that when a Republican is caught going to a prostitute the news reads “involved with prostitutes”. But when a Democrat is caught (Spitzer) the news reads “linked to prostitution ring”.
This is a blatant hypocrisy of the MSM.
March 12th, 2008 at 11:21 amNews you wont find on the shills-for-Hillary site TP:
Other news you won’t read on the shills-for-Hillary site is her blatant hypocrisy. She threw a hissy fit when an Obama adviser called her a Monster and Obama fired her. But when her surrogate Geraldine Ferraro basically says that the only reason why Obama is where he is because of his race, Hillary’s response is “It was unfortunate”. Don’t see her telling Ferraro to take a walk. Does she not see the hypocrisy in what she is doing? Doesn’t she see the harm she is doing to the Democratic party and the possibility of a Democrat in the White House.
Hillary Rove Clinton truly has become a monster.
March 12th, 2008 at 11:26 amThe truth of the current Democratic primary race is that Hillary Clinton can’t win. In order for her to reach the magic number, she will need to take 65% of the remaining primary races (not going to happen) and get 65% of the remaining super delegates (again, not going to happen). All Obama needs is 45% of the remaining delegates.
Why is Hillary Rove Clinton hell bent on dividing the Democratic party and thereby increasing McCains chances of winning? The only thing I can think of is that her enormous ego is stopping her from facing reality. Someone needs to do an intervention here, quickly!
March 12th, 2008 at 11:29 amThe CIA still does not have the right to “tortureâ€.
Comment by good_golly
If this were true, there would be quite a few CIA agents in jail right now. Along with George W. Bush.
March 12th, 2008 at 11:31 amHillary Rove Clinton … heh… i like that…
Why is Hillary Rove Clinton hell bent on dividing the Democratic party and thereby increasing McCains chances of winning? The only thing I can think of is that her enormous ego is stopping her from facing reality. Someone needs to do an intervention here, quickly!
Comment by Bilbo Hussein Baggins — March 12, 2008 @ 11:29 am
another scenario i’ve heard:
she’s hoping for 1 term for mcSAME and then she can go for ‘12…
too crazy for my blood…
but, yea, the selfish ego: if I can’t have it, neither can HE…
i especially hate that all the righty clinton haters can claim some kind
March 12th, 2008 at 11:39 amof vidication… we were told…
UPDATE: Pilgrim’s Pride Cutting 1,100 Jobs, Blames Ethanol
Pilgrim’s Pride Corp. (PPC) said it will cut 1,100 jobs from closing a complex and six of its 13 distribution centers as the world’s largest chicken processor struggles with the continued surge in feed costs.
Thanks, Bushie, for your ethanol scheme. We’re on our way to a lower rate of food production in the United States.
March 12th, 2008 at 11:51 amPerhaps we’ll later find Obama campaign fingerprints on this little Ferraro, but in any event, it’s a political gift to his campaign.
Comment by barfly
What makes you say something like that?
BTW, congratulations. It looks like we have finally been successful in getting BC banned. Hopefully it is permanent.
March 12th, 2008 at 11:51 amI’m reminded of the verbal knock down Clinton attempted in a debate with Obama concerning Farrakhan’s(?) endorsement of Obama. She made special mention of how she had been given support by a group she didn’t want support from and went on to denounce themObama proved to be the more eloquent of the two them. Reject/denounce portion was great moment for Obama.
Where’s the same moral stance from Clinton regarding Ferraro?
This is another example that shows me Obama is truly change from the old style politics and that Clinton is a master at old style politics.
March 12th, 2008 at 11:52 amanother scenario i’ve heard:
she’s hoping for 1 term for mcSAME and then she can go for ‘12…
too crazy for my blood…
but, yea, the selfish ego: if I can’t have it, neither can HE…
i especially hate that all the righty clinton haters can claim some kind
of vidication… we were told…
Comment by katy HUSSEIN katy
The problem with this scenario is Barak Hussein Obama. What does she think he will do for the next 4 years. Why does she think she will have a better chance to beat him after 4 years of a McCain presidency, which will be credited to her?
March 12th, 2008 at 11:53 am1 million Iraqi civilians dead. 47 million Americans who have no health insurance. KBR poisoning our soldiers – and we are paying them to do it. Corruption. Greed. Lies. Endless hypocrisy.
Don’t forget the part where KBR is charging triple the price for towels so that they can have their logo embroidered on them. But, that’s OK because it is a “cost plus” contract, meaning we the taxpayers get to pay for the logo. I’m sure that the KBR logo on their towels makes the soldiers in Iraq feel so much better. Actually, it’s a slap in the face every time they get out of a shower.
March 12th, 2008 at 11:56 am“If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position” = racist
next?
Why is this idiot trying to stay in the news?
March 12th, 2008 at 12:08 pmETHANOL BOONDOGLE:
Demand from the ethanol industry, as well as worldwide demand for food and farm-animal feed, has resulted in record prices for corn, soybeans, wheat and other crops. At current prices, Pilgrim’s Pride costs for corn and soybean meal in fiscal 2008 would be more than $1.3 billion higher than levels two years ago, Rivers said.
Then there’s Bush’s 7.7 trillion dollar debt.
And the weakening dollar.
Spells BIG TROUBLE.
March 12th, 2008 at 12:21 pmI have to say, Hillary is *really* pissing me off lately…
She brings to mind someone picking a fistfight with the other person trapped in a burning house.
I’m disgusted.
March 12th, 2008 at 12:28 pmBilbo @ 11:56
Someone at KBR should be thankful I’m not in the service these days. I would be looking to frag someone because of the bad water and the towels.
March 12th, 2008 at 12:35 pmI would be looking to frag someone because of the bad water and the towels.
Not to mention the income disparity.
March 12th, 2008 at 12:44 pmHow cruel of you, Evil Spaniard. You take “fiction†away from the righties and you’ll leave them w/ “nothingâ€. Heartless!
Comment by The Republic of Stupidity — March 12, 2008 @ 9:56 am
Absolutely! I love watching how their phantasy Bushworld fades away, crumble by crumble, as reality takes back its place.
http://www.openmalaysiablog.com/images/250pxdr_evil.jpg
March 12th, 2008 at 1:12 pmanother scenario i’ve heard:
she’s hoping for 1 term for mcSAME and then she can go for ‘12…
Comment by katy HUSSEIN katy
The problem with this scenario is Barak Hussein Obama. What does she think he will do for the next 4 years. Why does she think she will have a better chance to beat him after 4 years of a McCain presidency, which will be credited to her?
Comment by Bilbo Hussein Baggins — March 12, 2008 @ 11:53 am
i knooow! … like i said – too crazy… i am not figuring her at all…
but i sure am unhappy with her…
sorry to leave that hangin’… had to run some errands with my mom…
March 12th, 2008 at 2:50 pmTHE FIRST ATTACK ON AMERICAN SOIL
Comment by DieNowForPeace — March 12, 2008 @ 10:06 am
I am totally neutral and absolutely hate feeding any troll, but there was a war in 1812. I am truely sorry DNFP! :-(
March 12th, 2008 at 5:12 pmWalt; the 1st attack on American soil was when the Conquistadors were subjugating the Indians and looting their gold.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:31 pmWalt; the 1st attack on American soil was when the Conquistadors were subjugating the Indians and looting their gold.
Comment by Uncle Ho — March 12, 2008 @ 5:31 pm
Not that I want to exonerate the Spaniards of the past centuries in this issue or be beligerant with you (because I have a high respect to you and your contribution here), but USA people tend to obviate that, in North America, the greater share of invaders and mass killers where from english and french origin and that they were the ancestors of the majority of the modern USA population, and that the same pious pilgrims known as Puritans were most probably killing indians the day before and the day after Thanksgivings. All the treaties with native americans were broken by the white men, and the native americans were driven to unhealthy reserves, dying by droves. Anglosaxon was too Lord Jeffrey Amherst, the british officer who used smallpox infected blankets, inventing so the intentional biological warfare, and french were the poachers who introduced scalping among the native americans, because native american hair was highly priced to make dolls, due to his lenght and quality. If you visit an antique flea market, you can find a lot of these.
So, yes, Spaniards “discovered” the America (Colombia?) continent, but there was an immediate rush of europeans willing to take “their” piece of land.
I know its easy from an USA perspective to portray old Spaniard Conquistadores and colonists as the villians and British, Dutch and French (and firsts generations americans) ones only as innocent bystanders, but there were plenty of atrocities committed by every one of them to share. Pirates weren’t joyful pranksters as Douglas Fairbanks Jr, Errol Flynn or Johnny Depp portray them, life at the frontier wasn’t so noble as most westerns paint romantically, and Puritans weren’t so sanctimonious fellas.
Well’ I’ve extended myself too much. Only to say that the Conquistadores’ spirit isn’t so far of the modern Americans one, both humane and in the imperial sense of righteousness that has increased in the, in past times, humbler american people.
March 13th, 2008 at 8:57 am